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This ESP32 Antenna Array Can See WiFi

Jeija1 HN recommenders · 2025–2026
1.2M views · demo · dated · Uploaded 2025-02-14

The creator of ESPARGOS, an ESP32-based antenna array from the University of Stuttgart, explains how it senses phase and amplitude of WiFi signals to localize devices and build a WiFi camera. It demos the Python library and project.

Recommended as the companion explanation to the Espargos project, showing how phase and time differences localize devices.

Embedded systems & DIY electronicsElectronics & circuit designNetworking & internet infrastructure

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4 comments from Hacker News

@leoedin2025 · in “Espargos: ESP32-based WiFi sensing array”

This project uses an array of ESP32s and some clever calibration techniques to do pretty accurate localisation of WiFi signals. There's an excellent companion video here: [VIDEO]

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@rollulus2025 · in “Espargos: ESP32-based WiFi sensing array”

As shared elsewhere in this thread: [VIDEO] TL;DW: the ESP’s WiFi driver provides per incoming packet the carrier’s phase and amplitude. All ESPs are calibrated relatively to each other.

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@rubatuga2026 · in “WiFi Could Become an Invisible Mass Surveillance System”

I was really impressed that a ESP32 Antenna Array Can essentially make a WiFi camera - it uses both time and phase differences to localize based on MAC addresses (which are sent plaintext) [VIDEO]

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@alter_igel2026 · in “Full Spectrum and Infrared Photography”

Author here. I agree with you, "full spectrum" is a generous marketing phrase for what might more accurately be called _extended_ spectrum. People way smarter than me have been able to achieve DIY spatial imaging with x-rays via compressed sensing [1] and with microwaves via phased arrays [2]. Optical wavelengths seem to be at a sweet spot of good angular resolution, varied natural sources, and harmless to humans. [1] [LINK] [2] [VIDEO]

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